Donaldson not dwelling on semi final suspension setback

Caley Thistle defender Coll Donaldson is refusing to dwell on the setback of missing out on the Highlanders’ Scottish Cup semi final next month.

Donaldson’s booking in Sunday’s 2-1 victory over Dundee United at Tannadice will mean he is suspended, having collected two previous yellow cards earlier in the competition.

The 23-year-old is disappointed his booking came for contesting referee Steven McLean’s decision to award United a soft penalty, in which Caley Jags claimed Jamie McCart had been fouled in the build up.

Despite the blow, Donaldson is keen to savour his role in helping John Robertson’s men reach the last four of the competition, which Caley Jags won four years ago.

He said: “I knew before the game that had I been booked, I would miss the semi final.

“I tried not to think about it, because there are times in a game when you need to take a booking.

“If you are thinking about it, and they break on you and score, there is no point. You are not missing a semi final because you are not in it.

“But to get booked for dissent, I need to watch what I’m saying but I was not going at the referee.

“I wasn’t shouting or being abusive. I was just trying to explain to him there had been a foul in the build up to the penalty.

“I just felt strongly at the time it wasn’t a penalty.

“I think he said to me on the pitch that I was a casualty of four or five boys, because the way we’ve reacted wasn’t great.

“One of us was going to pay the price and it’s just a shame it was me.

“I’m not thinking about that just now, as a club we have got a semi final to look forward to so I’m not going to speak about myself missing that.”

Donaldson’s suspension did little to dampen his spirits at full time, with the former United player taking the opportunity to celebrate in front of the home supporters.

Donaldson had an unsuccessful two-year stint with the Tangerines before joining Inverness in 2017, and the Edinburgh-born player was keen to respond to the stick he received from the Tannadice crowd.

He added: “I definitely enjoyed that. I think my reaction to the final whistle speaks for itself.

“It meant a lot, not just on a personal level, but as a team.

“I have spoken previously about it – it wasn’t a good time for myself at Dundee United.

“But it’s about how you react. Coming to Tannadice and winning a Scottish Cup quarter final might – but probably won’t – shut a few people up.

“They are entitled to their opinions. I’m a football fan myself so I know what it’s like, not everyone can be a fans’ favourite and I certainly wasn’t there.

“I’m not looking to dwell on that, I’m an Inverness player now and I love playing for the club.